This one-hour river float showcases the beauty of Banff National Park

Hiking isn’t the only way to enjoy the Alberta Rockies this summer. Rocky Mountain Raft Tours is inviting visitors to hit the water for a guided rafting adventure on the Kicking Horse River, where you’ll be greeted by beautiful mountain scenery, spot wildlife along the riverbanks, and spend the day surrounded by some of the province’s most iconic landscapes.

Now, before you grab a paddle, here’s what you need to know about the experience.

What to expect during the float

Unlike traditional rafting trips, Rocky Mountain Raft Tours’ Bow River float is all about taking in the scenery at a slow pace. The guided trip travels about seven kilometres along the Bow River, offering views of landmarks like Bow Falls, Sleeping Buffalo, Cascade Mountain, Tunnel Mountain, the Hoodoos, and Mount Rundle along the way.

The large rafts are designed for a comfortable ride, with elevated wood flooring to help keep your feet dry. According to Rocky Mountain Raft Tours, each raft can hold up to 25 passengers, making it a great option for families or large groups.

Since this is a sightseeing float rather than a whitewater adventure, you won’t have to worry about rapids or big waves hitting you. And the float lasts about an hour, with a shuttle bringing guests back to the starting point after the trip.

Tickets, pricing and parking details

With tours running until September, there’s still plenty of time to hop aboard the Rocky Mountain Raft Tours. Multiple departures are available each day, with tickets costing $80 per adult and $40 per child.

Parking is available in a small on-site lot with space for about 40 vehicles, but it fills up quickly, so if you’re staying nearby, it’s best to walk directly to the departure point or take the Roam Transit Route 2 bus.

Guests should dress for the weather and always pack an extra layer, as the temperatures can drop quickly in the mountains, even on the nicest of days.

And while the float is calm and doesn’t involve rapids, a light splash of water is always possible, so it’s best to leave anything getting wet safely stored away.

So, if your ideal Banff day involves mountain views, fresh air, and someone else doing the navigating, this might be the perfect summer activity to add to your itinerary.

When: Running from May until September 2026
Time: Daily departures at 10:20 a.m., 11:20 a.m., 1:20 p.m., 3:20 p.m., and 5:20 p.m.
Where: 1 Golf Course Rd. Banff, Alta.
Cost: $80 per adult, $40 per child

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Kaiya Williams

Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.

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